Belagavi: The Karnataka Legislative Council on Friday passed the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prohibitory) Bill, 2025, amid intense protests from opposition parties. The opposition described the legislation as a “direct assault on freedom of speech” and a “dangerous weapon for political vendetta,” staging loud demonstrations in the assembly hall.
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar introduced the bill in the Legislative Council, following its approval in the Assembly on Thursday. The bill seeks to curb hate speech and related crimes by prescribing penalties, including fines of up to ₹50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year for first-time offenses. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment for up to eight years along with a fine of ₹1 lakh.
Opposition parties raised concerns that the law could lead to a “police state” scenario and be misused to target political rivals. Legislative Council member C.T. Ravi warned that the legislation, once enacted, could become a “dangerous tool against political dissent,” drawing parallels with the Congress-led Emergency period in India.
Congress leader and opposition floor leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also expressed fears that the law might be used to file false cases against political adversaries. Despite the uproar, Speaker Basavaraj Horatti put the bill to a voice vote, and it was passed, formalizing the law.
Rejecting BJP’s allegations of misuse, Home Minister Parameshwar clarified that the legislation is similar to laws already in force in states like Maharashtra, which is also ruled by the BJP. He maintained that the bill aims to prevent hate crimes and protect public order, rather than stifle legitimate political debate.
The passage of the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prohibitory) Bill, 2025, is expected to have significant political and social implications, as lawmakers and legal experts monitor how the new provisions will be implemented across the state.
Also Read: Congress leader Alim implicated in Anna Bhagya rice scam
